Micro-optic security device with interactive dynamic security features

ABSTRACT

A security device includes an image projection system that includes an array of focusing elements ( 101 ) and an array of image icon elements ( 103 ) disposed relative to each other such that a synthetic image is projected by the image projection system. This synthetic image, along with at least one other image functions as a targeting image. As targeting images ( 310′, 310 ″), these images are spatially coordinated such that a reward image ( 350 ), which is otherwise at least partially hidden, becomes revealed upon the targeting images having a predetermined transformation. This targeting effect functions as a game that attracts the attention of an end-user of high-valued articles of manufacture to which the security device is attached. The security device allows a viewer to actively interact with the security device by trying to turn on the reward image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/733,341,filed Jul. 1, 2020, which is the National Stage of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2019/012212, filed Jan. 3, 2019, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/613,090, filedJan. 3, 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments according to the present disclosure generally relate to asecurity device suitable for use in providing enhanced security to highvalue articles of manufacture by imparting at least one of anaestheticizing, or authenticating effect to said high value articles ofmanufacture when affixed thereto. In certain embodiments, an opticalsecurity device comprises an arrangement of micro-image elementsdisposed relative to an arrangement of focusing elements such that themicro-images, or portions thereof, project one or more synthetic imageswhen the micro-images or portions thereof are viewed through thearrangement of focusing elements or portions thereof. This securitydevice provides at least one dynamic optical effect whereby at least oneof the synthetic images projected by the device appears to an observerto transform—in terms of at least one of its shape, location, color orsize—as the observer's point of view changes. More specifically, thedynamic optical effect is an interactive dynamic optical effect wherethe optical effect is accompanied by or includes at least one targetingeffect. The targeting effect comprises the interaction of two or moretargeting images—at least one of which is one of the syntheticimages—that appear to spatially coordinate to reveal at least one rewardimage. For example, where the dynamic optical effect is transformationof the synthetic image's location, the at least two targeting imagesspatially interact with each other such that, at predetermined relativelocations a reward image is revealed.

Embodiments according to this disclosure include methods ofmanufacturing the security device, uses of the security device, methodsof securing high value articles of manufacture with the security device,methods of manufacturing secured high value articles of manufacture andproducts made by the processes described herein.

BACKGROUND

There are several kinds of optical security devices. For example,optical security devices are described and shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,333,268; 7,738,175; and 7,468,842 where one or more synthetic imagesare projected by the security device.

While there are several optical security devices that are suitable forproviding enhanced security to various articles of manufacture, theseare often “level-1” (e.g., visible to a user's eye) security featuresthat require the end-user to visually examine an integrated securitydevice in order to authenticate the article of manufacture to which itis affixed. However, such devices suffer from the inherent dynamics ofhow such articles of manufacture are used. For example, while banknotesare often secured (aestheticized, and/or authenticated) by such securitydevices being affixed thereto, the effectiveness of such securitydevices depends on the interaction of the end-user with the securitydevice. However, due in large part to the fast pace of use, end-users ofbanknotes and other such articles of manufacture often are disengagedfrom the authentication process in that they quite often use thebanknotes without authenticating the banknote by engaging the securitydevice.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments according to this disclosure provide a securitydevice that improves end user interaction and engagement with thesecurity devices used to secure high value articles of manufacture. Suchsecurity devices would in turn improve the effectiveness of the securitydevice as a level-1 security device thereby discouraging counterfeiting.

Security devices according to various embodiments of this disclosureprovide functionalities which encourage users to engage or interact withthe security device. By so doing, an end-user is not only engaged with asynthetic image or a dynamic optical effect, but is also engaged with aninteractive dynamic optical effect (i.e., a targeting effect) wherebythe end-user's intellect is challenged and is rewarded. Morespecifically, in some embodiments, the security device includes a gamethat allows the end-user to transform the optical relationship oftargeting images to produce/reveal a reward image. For example, anend-user will be rewarded with a reward image when she is able tosuccessfully force targeting images to spatially fully overlap, occupypredetermined non-overlapping locations, or overlap partially. Throughthis engagement, the authenticating or aestheticizing features of thesecurity device are more frequently utilized through the increasedengagement of end-users with the security device. By providing, incertain embodiments, a “game like” functionality in the securityfeatures of a security device, end users may be more likely to takecareful note of the presence and functionality of the security device,and by implication, more frequently spot counterfeits.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an optical security device isprovided. In certain embodiments, the optical security device is amicro-optic security device comprising an image projection systemincluding (i) an array of focusing elements; (ii) an array of image iconelements disposed proximate to the array of focusing elements such thatat least one synthetic image is projected by the image projection systemwhen at least portions of the array of image icon elements are viewedthrough at least portions of the array of focusing elements; and (iii)an array of control pattern elements integrated across the array ofimage icon elements, or a part thereof; a set of targeting images atleast one of which is one of the synthetic images projected by the imageprojection system; and at least one reward image. The micro-opticsecurity device is further characterized in that the security deviceprovides a targeting effect whereby at a predetermined alignment phasethe targeting images are spatially coordinated to coincide with therevelation of a reward image.

In various embodiments, the micro-optic security device is furthercharacterized in that the visibility of the targeting images and rewardimage(s) is modulated by an array of control pattern elements.

In some embodiments according to this disclosure, a method of producingthe micro-optic security device is provided. In a particular embodiment,the micro-optic security device is produced by providing an imageprojection system having an array of image icon elements integrated withan array of control pattern elements and layered with an array offocusing elements such that at least one synthetic image is projected bythe image projection system when at least portions of the array of imageicon elements are viewed through at least portions of the array offocusing elements. The method is further characterized in that themicro-optic security device provides at least two targeting images thatare spatially coordinated at a predetermined alignment phase to coincidewith the revelation of at least one reward image when in-phased portionsof the array of control pattern elements are in focus of the array offocusing elements such that at least one set of reward images isrevealed. According to certain embodiments, the predetermined alignmentphase is associated with a predetermined viewing angle, or a range ofviewing angles. In some embodiments, the predetermined alignment phaseexists due to the interplay between a control elements and image iconelements, but the viewing angle with which the predetermined alignmentis associated is not predetermined or otherwise known in advance.

In some embodiments, a method comprises (i) providing an array offocusing elements; (ii) providing an array of image icon elements; and(iii) arranging the array of focusing elements and array of image iconelements, relative to each other, such that a synthetic image isprojected by the image icon elements when at least portions of the arrayof image icon elements are viewed through at least portions of the arrayof focusing elements. The method is further characterized in that themicro-optic security device provides at least two targeting images thatare spatially coordinated at predetermined alignment phases such thatthe spatial coordination coincides with the revelation of at least onereward image. The method is also further characterized in that thespatial coordination of the targeting images coincide with when thein-phased portions of the array of control pattern elements are in focusof the array of focusing elements. At one or more predeterminedalignment phases, in-phased portions of the array of control patternelements are in focus and at least one reward image is revealed

According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the array of imageicon elements and the array of focusing elements are arranged, relativeto each other, such that the security device provides at least onesynthetic image with a dynamic optical effect that forms part of thetargeting effect. The targeting effect, as described herein throughout,comprises the spatial interaction of one targeting image—having adynamic optical effect—with another targeting image, which may beanother synthetic image with a dynamic optical effect, a synthetic imagewith a static optical effect, a natural image, or a selected opticalcoordinate. The spatial interaction contemplated throughout hereinincludes where the targeting images are brought to a predetermineddistance apart relative to each other such as at a targeting distanceapart, partially overlapping, or fully overlapping, preferably at leastpartially overlapping, at a predetermined alignment phase. At thispredetermined alignment phase, the in-phased portions of the array ofcontrol pattern elements are in focus of the array of focusing elements,thereby revealing (e.g., turning on) the reward image. Preferably, whenthe reward image is turned on, the targeting images are turned off andwhen the reward image is turned off one or more of the targeting imagesare either turned on or off. However, in some embodiments, only aportion of the targeting image is turned off or only a portion of thereward image is turned on and vice versa. The spatial interaction of thetargeting images can be an overlap of the targeting images, or placementof the targeting images at a predefined distance from each other, or achange in the size of the targeting image, or a change in the color ofthe targeting image or a change on the apparent plane (deep, in-plane,or float).

In certain embodiments according to this disclosure, a method ofsecuring an article of manufacture is provided. In some embodiments, amethod comprises securing the micro-optic security device to an articleof manufacture by coupling a face of the security device to a face ofthe article of manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, when the securitydevice is coupled to the article of manufacture, the array of image iconelements is proximate the article of manufacture while the array offocusing elements are distal.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a micro-optic securitydevice produced by the disclosed method of producing the opticalsecurity device is provided. In one particular embodiment, themicro-optic security device comprises an image projection system having(i) an array of focusing elements; (ii) an array of image icon elementsdisposed proximate to the array of focusing elements such that at leastone synthetic image is projected by the image projection system when atleast portions of the array of image icon elements are viewed through atleast portions of the array of focusing elements; and (iii) an array ofcontrol pattern elements integrated across the array of image iconelements; a set of targeting images at least one of which is one of thesynthetic images projected by the image projection system; and at leastone reward image. The micro-optic security device is furthercharacterized in that it is produced by (i) providing an array offocusing elements; (ii) providing an array of image icon elements; and(iii) arranging the array of focusing elements and array of image iconelements, relative to each other, such that a synthetic image isprojected by the image icon elements when at least portions of the arrayof image icon elements are viewed through at least portions of the arrayof focusing elements. It is further characterized in that themicro-optic security device provides at least two targeting images thatare spatially coordinated at predetermined alignment phases such thatthe spatial coordination coincides with the revelation of at least onereward image. The method is also further characterized in that thespatial coordination of the targeting images coincide with when thein-phased portions of the array of control pattern elements are in focusof the array of focusing elements.

In yet a further aspect, a secured article of manufacture is provided.In some embodiments, the secured article of manufacture comprises (i) anarticle of manufacture, and (ii) at least one micro-optic securitydevice. The secured article of manufacture is characterized in that themicro-optic security device is securely coupled to at least one face ofthe article of manufacture such that it is at least partially visible toan end-user. In a further embodiment, the secured article of manufactureis characterized in that the micro-optic security device is couple tothe article of manufacture such that an end-user may visually engage themicro-optic security device. In a further embodiment, the micro-opticsecurity device comprises (i) an array of focusing elements; (ii) anarray of image icon elements; and (iii) a synthetic image projected bythe image icon elements when at least portions of the array of imageicon elements are viewed through at least portions of the array offocusing elements. The micro-optic security device is furthercharacterized in that the security device provides a dynamic opticaleffect comprising at least one targeting effect. In a furtherembodiment, the micro-optic security device is further characterized inthat the array of image icon elements includes an array of controlpattern elements.

Other embodiments according to this disclosure include use of themicro-optic security device to authenticate an article of manufacture.Here the micro-optic security device is integrated with the article ofmanufacture such that it can be readily engaged by an end-user of thearticle of manufacture. Certain embodiments include a secured article ofmanufacture comprising at least one micro-optic security device asdescribed herein. A method of integrating the micro-optic securitydevice with an article of manufacture also forms an aspect of thepresent disclosure, wherein the method comprises providing an article ofmanufacture with a substrate surface and coupling the micro-opticsecurity device to the substrate surface.

Embodiments will now be further described herein such that a personhaving ordinary skill in the art (hereinafter “PHOSITA”) may be able tomake and use the invention without having to resort to undueexperimentation. As such, the embodiments heretofore or hereafterdescribed herein are not intended to limit the scope of the claimedinvention and shall be interpreted solely as exemplary embodimentsprovided for purposes of describing the claimed invention. It should beapparent to a PHOSITA that many more modifications and embodimentsbesides those explicitly described herein are possible. Moreover, ininterpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in thebroadest possible manner consistent with the context expressed herein.In particular, the terms “comprises”, “having” and “comprising” shouldbe interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in anon-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with otherelements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced or canbe combined in particular with other embodiments described herein.

As used in this disclosure and in the appended claims, the singularforms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

References herein to components such as targeting images, reward images,array of image icon elements, array of focusing elements, or array ofcontrol pattern elements shall be understood to include embodiments withall or only portions of those components, unless the contextunambiguously requires a different interpretation.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by referenceto disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection withwhich the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein areprovided solely for their disclosure. Nothing herein is to be construedas an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedatesuch publication by virtue of prior invention.

Definitions

The term “dynamic effect”, as used herein, is interchangeable with“dynamic optical effect” and “interactive dynamic optical effect” andrefers to a transformation of an image projected by a security device oran image projection system as the viewing angle of the security deviceor image projection system is changed.

The term “in-phased”, as used herein, defines where, from at least onepoint of view, the control pattern overlaps with at least one pattern ofimage icon elements.

The term “natural image”, as used herein, refers to an image notprovided by the cooperation of focusing elements and the image iconelements or which does not require the focusing elements for bothmagnifying and composing the image. Examples of natural images include,without limitation, traditionally printed images such as offset,intaglio or screen printed images, watermarks, certain features in thesubstrate of a secure article, a window in the article's substrate, orareas of a secured article with no print or print of different colors.

The term “optical coordinate”, as used herein, refers to a locationobservable within the micro-optic security device and in particular alocation observable through the array of focusing elements. It functionsas a targeting image and is observable through the array of focusingelements such that it may be coordinated with the prime synthetic imagesuch that when they are spatially coordinated at a predeterminedalignment phase, their spatial coordination will coincide with therevelation of a reward image (e.g., the reward image turns on as theprime synthetic image reaches a predetermined distance from the opticalcoordinate).

The term “optical image”, as used herein, refers to an image provided byimage projection system that is either not magnified or not composed bythe array of focusing elements.

The term “out-phased”, as used herein, defines where, from any point ofview, the control pattern does not overlap with at least one pattern ofimage icon elements.

The term “static optical effect”, as used herein, refers to a syntheticimage which does not transform but rather remains the same across allviewing angles.

The term “alignment phase”, as used herein, refers to the relativelocation of the focusing elements' focal points, as determined by theviewing angle of the observer, with respect to the icon image array. Fora specific manufactured article, the alignment phase is associated withthe angle at which an observer views the security device. In certainembodiments, the association between viewing angle and alignment phaseis consistent (for example, the alignment phase occurs at the same orsubstantially the same viewing angle). In various embodiments, theassociation between viewing angle and alignment phase varies (forexample, the alignment phase is associated with different viewing anglesacross devices).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Particular features of the disclosed invention are illustrated byreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1a through 1e illustrate cross-sectional views of a securitydevice having the array of image icon elements printed onto an opticalspacer (1 a); having the array of image icon elements formed as a voids(which may be filled or coated) (1 b); having the array of image iconelements formed as filled voids within the optical spacer (1 c); havingthe array of image icon elements being viewed through an array offocusing elements which are pin holes in a separate layer (1 d); havingthe focusing elements as a reflective system disposed beneath the arrayof image icon elements (le); and having the array of image icon elementsbeing viewed through an array of sealed focusing elements (lf).

FIGS. 2a through 2d illustrate top-side views of the array of image iconelements integrated with the control pattern where two parallax imagesare coordinated to reveal a reward image at a predetermined alignmentphase (2 a); where the control pattern is a window through which thereward image is seen (2 b); where the control pattern is used toeliminate one or more of the image elements (2 c); and where the targetimage is a printed image (2 d).

FIG. 3 provides views of an array of image icon elements and thecorresponding targeting effect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to certain embodiments, by providing a micro-optic securitydevice having a targeting effect, an end-user can modulate thetransformation or interaction of targeting images to reveal at least onereward image, thereby increasing the likelihood of enticing an end-userto engage the security device. As such, an end-user of the securitydevice can turn on or off the targeting images and/or the reward imagesby changing viewing angles to spatially coordinate the targeting images,by moving in and out of ranges of viewing angles associated withalignment phase(s). To turn on the targeting and/or reward images meansto reveal those images or to make those images visible at certainviewing angles while to turn off the targeting and/or reward imagesmeans to make those images less visible, partially invisible orcompletely invisible at certain viewing angles. Through end-usermodulation of these targeting effects, the security device is moreinteractive and is more engaging to the end-user and is therefore morelikely to function as to secure the article of manufacture throughauthenticating or aestheticizing the articles of manufacture to whichthe security device is affixed.

The micro-optic security device, interchangeably referred to herein asthe security device, comprises an image projection system and displays aset of targeting images and at least one reward image.

The image projection system, along with the set of targeting images andthe reward image, comprises elements of the security device. This imageprojection system comprises an array of focusing elements that iscoupled with an array of image icon elements (e.g., micro-imageelements). These coupled arrays may be directly layered to each other ormay be interspersed with other arrays or layer or may include multiplearrays of micro-images elements or multiple arrays of focusing elements.In various embodiments, the array of image elements is integrated with apattern of control elements that modulates the revelation of the rewardimage, the targeting images or both. The image projection system eitherindividually provides the set of targeting images or provides less thanthe full set of targeting images that is then combined with a naturalimage to provide the full set of targeting images. In any case, at leastone of the targeting images will be provided by the image projectionsystem. These image projection systems comprise at least one array ofmicro-images elements in the form of image icon elements and at leastone array of focusing elements. Together the image icon elements and thefocusing elements are disposed relative to each other such that theycooperate to provide at least one targeting image, which is a syntheticimage projected from the array of image icon elements when at leastportions of the image icon elements are viewed through at least portionsof the focusing elements. Importantly, the image projection systemincludes an array of control pattern elements disposed across the arrayof image icon elements or a part thereof. The array of control patternelements modulates the turning on and off of the targeting images andthe reward image(s); particularly, the control pattern elements modulatethe revelation of the reward image. In one embodiment, as best depictedin FIG. 1, the array of focusing elements (101) and the array of imageicon elements (103) are layered proximate to each other. At one or moreviewing angles, an observer who views the image icon elements observes asynthetic image that is projected by the security device through thecooperation of the image icon elements and the focusing elements.Various embodiments are contemplated as suitable for use as the imageicon elements and as the focusing elements. Suitable image elements andfocusing elements and methods of providing them are described inInternational Patent Application Publications WO2005/052650,WO2006/125224, WO2008/008635, WO2011/019912, WO2011/163298,WO/2013/028534, WO2014/143980, WO2009/017824, WO2016/044372,WO2016/011249, WO2013/163287, WO2007/133613, WO2012/103441, andWO2015/148878, WO2005/106601, WO2006/08713, which are all incorporatedherein in their entirety. In preferred embodiments, the image elementsare in the form of voids, solid regions, protrusions, or any combinationthereof. Suitable focusing elements and methods of providing them aredescribed in International Patent Application PublicationsWO2006/125224, WO2008/008635, WO2011/019912, WO/2013/028534,WO2014/143980, WO2016/044372, WO2016/011249, WO2007/133613,WO2012/103441, WO2015/148878, WO2017/105504, WO2005/106601,WO2006/087138, which are all incorporated herein in their entirety.

Moreover, it is also contemplated herein that other components may beadded to the array of image icon elements, the array of focusingelements, or added in between the array of image icon elements or arrayof focusing elements. Examples of suitable additional componentsinclude, without limitation, an optical spacer, a coating layer, a tielayer, a master-relief lacquer layer, a patterned metallic layer, areflective layer, an opacifying layer, a vapor-deposited layer, acolorshifting construction layer, an anti-soiling layer, a stiffeninglayer or a pigmented or dyed layer. It is also contemplated thatmultiple arrays of micro-image elements or image icon elements are alsointegrated as part of the image projection system. Similarly, it is alsocontemplated that multiple arrays of focusing elements are alsointegrated as part of the image projection system. It is alsocontemplated that the focusing elements are sealed lenses being eitherpartially or fully sealed. For example, in certain embodiments, thesealing layer occupies interstitial spaces between the individualfocusing elements, while in other embodiments the sealing layer coversthe full height of the individual focusing elements and can be shaped inthe form of the focusing elements or may be flat on the side distal fromthe focusing elements. In other embodiments, the sealing layer coversthe entire image projection system, including the focusing elements andthe array of micro-image elements.

It is also contemplated herein that the array of image icon elements andthe array of focusing elements may be ordered in various sequences. Forexample, in one embodiment the array of image icon elements are layeredbeneath the array of focusing elements such that an observer viewing thesecurity device from the first side would view the image icon elementsthrough the focusing elements. In another embodiment, the array of imageicon elements are layered above the array of focusing elements such thatan observer viewing the security device from the first side would seethe image icon elements without viewing them through focusing elements.It is also contemplated herein that the image elements are viewedthrough a separate array of pin holes that function as focusingelements.

Various focusing elements and image icon elements are contemplatedwithin the scope of the present invention; many of which, in light ofthe instant disclosure, will become apparent to a PHOSITA. Preferredembodiments are depicted by FIGS. 1a-1e . Alternatives are furtherdescribed in International patent application publication WO 2013/028534which describes a transferrable micro-optic system wherein the imageicon elements are substantially embedded within the focusing elements;WO 2005/052650 describes a micro-optic security device describingvarious image icon elements, focusing elements organized and arranged invarious sequences to provide a synthetic image; WO 2013/163287 and WO2014/039476 also describe a suitable micro-optic security device wherethe image icon elements are different view-points of an image areinterlaced where the different view-points are interlaced and pixelmapped to form the image icon elements; WO 2009/017824 describes imageicon elements that are a combination of multiple image elements that arestitched together to form a single image icon element; WO 2011/163298describes focusing elements that are embedded; all of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

Suitable focusing elements may take various forms and include allelements that are capable of being organized into an array where theycan be used to both magnify and consolidate or combine image iconelements or portions thereof into a composite and magnified image (i.e.,a synthetic image). For example, suitable focusing elements include,without limitation lenses such as lenticular lenses, whether parallel orcross-hatched, or non-cylindrical or microlenses. The shape, size andany pigment may be chosen to satisfy a desired purpose. These lenses maybe reflective or refractive. Moreover the refractive index, f #,diameter and shape may each be adjusted to obtain a desired opticaleffect when in cooperation with the image icon elements. The presentinvention also contemplates that the focusing elements are grin lenseshaving a gradient refractive index. For example FIG. 1a provides printedimage icon elements (103) disposed in an array on one side of an opticalspacer (102) and opposite an array of focusing elements (101). FIG. 1bby contrast, provides the image icon elements (103) as micro-imageelements (103) that are formed on/in the optical spacer (102) which mayoptionally be filled (full or partial) or coated (flood, pattern). In analternative embodiment, the image icon elements may be formed in theoptical spacer (102), filled (103) and covered or may be applied as aseparate layer as shown in FIG. 1c . The focusing elements themselvesmay be refractive, reflective, or a combination thereof. Or, as depictedin FIG. 1d , the focusing elements (104) may be pin holes through whichthe image icon elements may be viewed to project the synthetic image.FIG. 1e provides the focusing elements as an array of reflective lenses(101) disposed beneath an array of image icon elements (103) such thatan observer positioned proximate the image icon elements (103) can viewthe array of image elements as a projected synthetic image through thereflection of the array of reflective focusing elements (101).

In certain embodiments, the focusing elements described in the variousembodiments herein are micro-lenses. In various embodiments according tothis disclosure, the micro-lenses are aspherical or spherical with apolygonal base and are arranged in multiple domains of hexagonalarrangements. In certain embodiments, the microlenses are arranged inrectangular, triangular and other geometrically repeating arrangements.In various embodiments, the microlenses have polygonal, circular orelliptical bases. In some embodiments, the microlenses have polygonalbases with rounded vertices. Applicants have found that embodimentsutilizing a hexagonal arrangement can effectively increase theresolution of synthetic images formed by the focusing elements and themicro-image elements. The focusing elements contemplated as being withinthe scope of the present disclosure may be convex or concave.

The micro-optical security devices, as described herein, include animage presentation system having an array of image icon elements and anarray of focusing elements. The image icons and the focusing elementscooperate to produce a synthetic image when the image icon elements areviewed through the array of focusing elements.

Image icon elements are organized in an array that is integrated with animage icon layer. These image icon elements may be in the form of animage or they may be portions of an image. Through the cooperation withthe array of focusing elements, these icon elements are magnified andare composed to form a composite image as the individual focusingelements focus on the images or the portions of images. In someembodiments, the image icon elements form images through reliefstructures that are integrated with the image icon layer. As such,integration as used in this context includes applying a relief structureinto the image icon layer—by embossing for example—or it involvesapplying a relief structure onto the image icon layer—such as byprinting or by applying a coating layer to the image icon layer andembossing that coating layer with a relief structure representative ofthe image or image portions.

The relief structures forming the image icon elements may be of varioussizes including micro-sized, nano-sized, macro-sized or any combinationthereof. While it is contemplated that nano-sized or macro-sized wouldbe suitable, in some embodiments, the micro-sized image icon elementsare also effective. The inventors have found that such preferredembodiments of the image icon elements have improved manufacturabilityover the alternatives.

The relief structures that form the image icon elements may be in theform of recesses, posts or a combination thereof. Where such reliefstructures are recesses, they may be shallow recesses that terminatesomewhere within the thickness of the image icon layer or they may bevoids that pass through the image icon layer and abuts one other layer.

The image icon elements can be formed by various methods including, forexample, laser patterning, photolithography, machining, embossing,printing, injection, other molding techniques, or any combinationthereof.

The voids may be coated by various methods including, for example,electroplating, electroless plating, vapor deposition (e.g., chemicaland/or physical), monomer vapor deposition, sputtering, spin coating,roll coating, other coating methods and any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments according to this disclosure, image icon elementscooperate with the array of focusing elements to provide a syntheticimage.

The control pattern elements are integrated with the array of image iconelements such that at an in-phased arrangement, targeting images areturned off and a reward image is turned on. The control pattern may bein the form of any shape or size as desired and arranged such that at apredetermined alignment phase, the device allows an observer to see atarget image, while another set of predetermined alignment phases, thedevice allows an observer to see a set of reward images. This isillustrated by FIG. 3 where the synthetic images (310), which aretargeting images, are observed at a 10 degree rotation point of view,and are separated by a separation distance d. In this illustrativeexample, a separation distance of less than d will allow the observer tosee the reward images. As the security device is oriented to a 15 degreerotation point of view, the targeting images approach a separationdistance of less than d, which causes reward image (320) to be turned on(revealed) while the targeting images (310′, 310″) are turned off. Asimilar effect is observed when the targeting images (340′, 340″) beginto overlap at 80 degree rotation point of view, such that at a 77 degreerotation point of view, they are sufficiently overlapped for thisparticular design to produce a reward image, and a reward image (350′)is turned on and the targeting images (340′, 340″) are turned off.

The control pattern, as illustrated in FIGS. 2a through 2d , may existin-phase and/or out-of-phase, depending on the design of the pattern ofimage icon elements in the array of image icon elements. In theillustrative example of FIG. 2a , icon images 1 (201) and icon images 2(202) are components of the array of image icon elements. In thisexplanatory example, the components are superimposed upon one another.This particular superposition has areas where 201 and 202 are alignedin-phase, or otherwise overlap (204). In certain embodiments, the degreeto which the overlap is considered to be in-phase is a design choice. Anarray of control pattern elements (203) can then be additionally addedto the array of icon elements and superimposed such that it is alsoin-phase with the two previous components (206). According to certainembodiments, this ensures that the control pattern, which modulates theappearance of the reward image, is in-phase with the image iconelements, such that, when the image icon elements are sufficiently closetogether, the control pattern will reveal the reward image at a specificlocation. In the illustrative example of FIG. 2a , a reward image iscreated when “Icon Images 1” (201) which provide parallax image 1 and“Icon Images 2” (202) are, for a portion of their lengths, in phase witheach other, and also in phase with the “windows” of control pattern(203). Further, as shown in this illustrative example, in area (205),when icon images (201) and (202) are out of phase with each other, noreward image is visible. Similarly, in area (204), icon images (201) and(202) are in phase with each other, and the elements of control pattern(203), revealing a reward image. Moreover, the control pattern may beintegrated as part of the array of image icon elements therebyfunctioning to turn on the reward image. As such the control pattern mayitself by an array of voids filled or coated (FIG. 2c ) with acontrasting material, or may be a window (FIG. 2b ) through which theimage icon elements used to project a set of reward images are viewed.

FIG. 2b illustrates an embodiment in which the reward image is composedas a parallax image (213), which is visible at a predetermined alignmentphase through the “windows” of control pattern (213). The interplaybetween control pattern (213) and elements of icon layer (225) isillustrated in line (215). In certain areas, for example, in area (217),elements of control pattern (213) create blank spaces on the icon layer,wherein the icon is not visible through the control pattern. Similarly,in certain areas, for example, in area (219), control pattern (213)allows for high visibility of the icon layer, such as by allowing asignificant amount of one or more ink filled recesses to be visible. Asshown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 2b , icon layer (221)comprises two or more sets of icon images which can variously bein-phase with each other and elements of the control pattern (forexample, as shown in area (225)), or out of phase with each other andthe elements of the control pattern (for example, as shown in area(223)).

FIG. 2c further illustrates the operation of a control pattern (237)according to certain embodiments. In various embodiments according tothis disclosure, control pattern (237) is not an ink-filled recess, butrather a pattern of elements which eliminates one or more other patterns(for example, icon layer pattern (235)), causing reward imageinformation to be visible through the “windows” or “holes” of controlpattern (237). In the illustrative example of FIG. 2c , this eliminationis illustrated in row (230).

In one illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2d , a printed element(240), such as a star, acts as a target image, such that when anothertargeting image, provided by the image projection system, aligns withthe printed star, as shown in area (245), control pattern (241) andprojected synthetic image are in phase, thereby triggering therevelation of the reward image. Similarly, when control pattern (241)and projected synthetic image are out of phase (for example, as shown inarea (247)), the reward image is not visible.

As used in this disclosure, the term “synthetic image” encompasses animage that is synthetically magnified by the array of focusing elementsin two ways. As such, the focusing elements, when used to view the arrayof image icon elements, increases the apparent size of the micro-imagesor portions thereof depicted by the relief structures of the image iconelements. Additionally, when the array of image icon elements is viewedthrough the array of focusing elements, the portions of the array ofimage icon elements that are in focus at any given viewing angle, areoptically combined to form at least one synthetic image.

The size of the synthetically magnified image can, in variousembodiments, be modulated by the coordination or selection of a numberof factors. For example, as described herein, each of the array of imageicon elements and the array of focusing elements can be individuallyarranged such that a repeat pattern of image icon elements or sets ofimage icon elements, or a repeat pattern of focusing elements or sets offocusing elements, repeat along a selected angle. This selected angle isreferred to herein as the skew axis and this skew axis will traverse aparticular angle referred to herein as the skew angle. The magnitude ofthe synthetic magnification can be increased or decreased depending onthe degree of skew between the skew axis of the array of focusingelements and the skew axis of the array of image icon elements. Forexample, where each of the array of focusing elements and array of imageicon elements have an identical pattern, misaligning their skew axisslightly such that the skew angle of the array of focusing elements isslightly larger or smaller than that of the array of image icons canproduce a set of synthetic images that are magnified versions of theimage icon elements, but have been rotated by approximately plus orminus 90 degrees relative to the image icons.

At least one of the targeting images according to some embodiments ofthis disclosure is a synthetic image projected by the image projectionsystem; more specifically this synthetic image is projected by the imageicon elements when at least portions of the image icon elements areviewed through at least portions of the array of focusing elements.Accordingly, the image projection system comprises at least one array offocusing elements; at least one array of image icon elements; and atleast one array of control pattern elements.

According to various embodiments, the targeting images of the securitydevice include at least one synthetic image projected by the imageprojection system. For simplicity, this targeting image will be referredto as the prime synthetic image. In a preferred embodiment, thistargeting image provides a dynamic optical effect—also referred toherein as a dynamic effect—whereby this targeting image appears tochange location, change color, change size, or change shape as theviewing angle changes. The other targeting images can be selected froman optical coordinate, an optical image, a natural image, or anothersynthetic image.

The targeting images are coordinated such that at a predeterminedalignment phase, their appearance is modulated. For instance, in oneembodiment, when the distance between the targeting images is shortenedby changing viewing angles such that they are very close or they areoverlapping at one or more predetermined alignment phases, at least oneof the targeting images disappears; preferably the entire set.Alternatively, where the color or shape of one of the targeting imagesis changed by changing viewing angles such that a color/shape match isobserved at a predetermined alignment phase, at least one of thetargeting images disappears. In certain embodiments, the entire set oftargeting images disappears. In various embodiments enough of the set oftargeting images disappears such that the reward image is not obscuredby the aligned targeting images. Where the size between targeting imagesis adjusted up or down by changing viewing angles such that apredetermined size is observed at a predetermined alignment phase, atleast one of the targeting images disappears; preferably the entire set.

Targeting images may take any shape, size, color or combination thereof.Images, as used in this context include text, numbers, symbols,portraits or any combination thereof.

The targeting images are, in certain embodiments, coordinated to have aspatial interaction which coincides with the revelation of a rewardimage.

Reward images, as used herein, may also take any shape, size, color orcombination thereof. Moreover, the reward images are revealed when thetargeting images spatially interact as described above. In variousembodiments, the entire reward image remains hidden at all viewingangles except the predetermined alignment phase(s). In certainembodiments, only a portion of the reward image is hidden, such that atthe predetermined alignment phase only complementary portions of thereward image is revealed.

The reward image as used in the context of the present disclosureincludes synthetic images, such as a prime synthetic image, or anoptical image, or a natural image, such as a printed image. In someembodiments, a reward image which is also a prime synthetic image can beeffective as a reward image since such images also provide a dynamiceffect which further engages the observer. In certain embodiments, thereward image may be a static image that remains hidden until thetargeting images interact in the predetermined manner such as by spatialinteraction, shape interaction, color interaction, size interaction orany combination thereof.

A micro-optic security device according to a first set of embodimentsincludes an image projection system comprising: (i) an array of focusingelements (101), (ii) an array of image icon elements (103) disposedproximate to the array of focusing elements such that at least onesynthetic image is projected by the image projection system when atleast portions of the array of image icon elements are viewed through atleast portions of the array of focusing elements, and (iii) an array ofcontrol pattern elements (203) integrated across the array of image iconelements. The micro-optic security device further includes a set oftargeting images (310′, 310″), comprising at least one targeting imagewhich is one of the at least one synthetic images projected by the imageprojection system, and at least one reward image (350), wherein thesecurity device provides a targeting effect whereby at a predeterminedalignment phase the targeting images are spatially coordinated tocoincide with revelation of the reward image.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the array ofcontrol pattern elements include in-phased portions and out-phasedportions, wherein when the array of focusing elements focus on thein-phased portions, substantially all portions of the array of controlpattern elements are in focus.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the array ofcontrol pattern elements eliminate portions of the array of image iconelements.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the controlpattern elements comprise windows through which the reward image becomesevident when the micro-optic security device is viewed in thepredetermined alignment phase.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, at least two ofthe targeting images are synthetic images projected by the imageprojection system and at least one of the reward images is a syntheticimage projected by the image projection system.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, at least one ofthe targeting images comprises an optical image and at least one of thereward images is at least one of a synthetic image or an optical image.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, in thepredetermined alignment phase, the targeting images are completelyhidden and outside of the predetermined alignment phase, the rewardimage is completely hidden, wherein the reward image is revealed onlywhen the array of focusing elements are focused on an in-phased portionof the array of control pattern elements.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, at least one ofthe targeting images has a dynamic effect and at least one of the rewardimages has a dynamic effect.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the spatialcoordination between the targeting images is based on at least one of: apredetermined location of the targeting images, a predetermined colorchange of the targeting image, or a predetermined size change of thetargeting images.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, at least one ofthe targeting images comprises an optical image printed on an article ofmanufacture.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, focusingelements of the array of focusing elements are non-cylindrical; imageicon elements of the array of image icon elements are recesses filledwith a pigmented ink, control pattern elements of the array of controlpattern elements are arranged in an array of eliminated portions of theimage icon elements, the set of targeting images comprises a set of twosynthetic images with dynamic effects, the set of two synthetic imagesspatially coordinated such that when the targeting images overlap in thepredetermined alignment phase, and at least one reward image is revealedand the targeting images are hidden.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, focusingelements of the array of focusing elements are non-cylindrical, imageicon elements of the array of image icon elements are recesses filledwith a pigmented ink, control pattern elements of the array of controlpattern elements are arranged in an array of eliminated portions of theimage icon elements, the set of targeting images comprises a set of onesynthetic image and one optical image printed on an article ofmanufacture, the set of one synthetic image and one optical imagespatially coordinated such that when the targeting images overlap at thepredetermined alignment phase, and the reward image is revealed and thetargeting images are hidden.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, focusingelements of the array of focusing elements are embedded in an opticalfilm.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, an opticalspacer is disposed between the array of focusing elements and the arrayof image icon elements.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, image iconelements of the array of image icon elements comprise at least one ofmicrostructured voids, posts or a combination thereof integrated into amicrostructured layer.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, a contrastingmaterial is disposed in or on at least part of the microstructuredvoids, the posts, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the array offocusing elements are selected from a group which includes lenticularlenses, cross-hatched lenticular lenses, non-cylindrical lenses,micro-mirrors or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, focusingelements of the array of focusing elements comprise at least one ofnon-cylindrical spherical or aspherical lenses arranged in a hexagonalpattern.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, focusingelements of the array of focusing elements comprise focusing elementswith an f #of less than 3 and a diameter of less than 50 μm.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, at least one ofthe targeting image or reward image is a floating image, deep image, oran image that can transition from a floating image to a deep image.

A method of producing a micro-optic security device of the first set ofembodiments, comprising: providing an image projection system having anarray of image icon elements integrated with an array of control patternelements and layered with an array of focusing elements such that atleast one synthetic image is projected by the image projection systemwhen at least portions of the array of image icon elements is viewedthrough at least portions of the array of focusing elements. Theso-produced micro-optic security device provides at least two targetingimages that are spatially coordinated such that at a predeterminedalignment phase in-phased portions of the array of control patternelements are in focus and at least one reward image is revealed.

Use of a micro-optic security device according to the first set ofembodiments for authenticating an article of manufacture, wherein themicro-optic security device is integrated with the article ofmanufacture such that it can readily be engaged with by an end user ofthe article of manufacture.

A secured article of manufacture comprising at least one micro-opticsecurity device of the first set of embodiments.

A method of integrating the micro-optic security device of the first setof embodiments with an article of manufacture.

What is claimed is:
 1. A micro-optic security device comprising: animage projection system comprising: an array of focusing elements; anarray of image icon elements disposed proximate to the array of focusingelements such that at least one synthetic image is projected by theimage projection system when at least portions of the array of imageicon elements are viewed through at least portions of the array offocusing elements, wherein the array of image icon elements comprises afirst set of image icons, which when viewed through the array offocusing elements, project one or more targeting images, wherein the oneor more targeting images comprise a synthetically magnified image,wherein the array of image icon elements comprises a second set of imageicons, which when viewed through the array of focusing elements at aviewing angle associated with a predetermined alignment phase, provideone or more reward images, wherein the one or more reward imagescomprise a static image; and an array of control pattern elementsintegrated across the array of image icon elements, wherein the array ofcontrol pattern elements comprises a control pattern of windows or holesdisposed at a location within the micro-optic security device alignablewith focal points of focusing elements of the array of focusingelements, through which the second set of image icons are visiblethrough the array of focusing elements at the viewing angle associatedwith the predetermined alignment phase, wherein the micro-optic securitydevice provides a targeting effect, whereby, at the viewing angleassociated with the predetermined alignment phase, the one or morereward images are revealed.
 2. The micro-optic security device of claim1, wherein the array of control pattern elements include in-phasedportions and out-phased portions, wherein the in-phased portions andout-phased portions are phased relative to the array of focusingelements such that when the micro-optic security device is viewed from aviewing angle relative to a plane of a surface of the micro-opticsecurity device where the in-phased portions of the array of controlpattern elements align with the second set of image icons, focal pointsof focusing elements of the array of focusing elements coversubstantially all portions of the array of control pattern elements, andcontrol pattern elements of the array of control pattern elementsoverlap with image icons of the second set of image icons.
 3. Themicro-optic security device of claim 1, wherein control pattern elementsof the array of control pattern elements occlude portions of the arrayof image icon elements.
 4. The micro-optic security device of claim 1,wherein control pattern elements of the array of control patternelements comprise windows through which the one or more reward imagesbecome visible when the micro-optic security device is viewed in thepredetermined alignment phase.
 5. The micro-optic security device ofclaim 1, wherein the array of image icon elements comprises a third setof image icons, which, in conjunction with the first set of image icons,project a second set of targeting images when viewed through the arrayof focusing elements, wherein the second set targeting images comprisesynthetic images projected by the image projection system.
 6. Themicro-optic security device of claim 1, wherein the one or moretargeting images further comprises a static image.
 7. The micro-opticsecurity device of claim 1, wherein, in the predetermined alignmentphase, the one or more reward images are revealed only when the array offocusing elements are focused on the array of control pattern elements.8. The micro-optic security device of claim 1, wherein at least onetargeting image of a set of targeting images has a dynamic effect andthe one or more reward images have a dynamic effect.
 9. The micro-opticsecurity device of claim 1, wherein a spatial coordination between theone or more targeting images is based on at least one of: apredetermined location of the one or more targeting images, apredetermined color change of the one or more targeting images, or apredetermined size change of the one or more targeting images.
 10. Themicro-optic security device of claim 1, wherein focusing elements of thearray of focusing elements are non-cylindrical, image icon elements ofthe array of image icon elements are recesses filled with a pigmentedink, control pattern elements of the array of control pattern elementsare arranged in an array of eliminated portions of the image iconelements, the one or more targeting images comprise a synthetic imageand a static image printed on an article of manufacture such that thesynthetic image and the static image spatially coordinated such thatwhen the one or more targeting images overlap at the predeterminedalignment phase, the one or more reward images are revealed and the oneor more targeting images are hidden.
 11. The micro-optic security deviceof claim 1, wherein focusing elements of the array of focusing elementsare embedded in an optical film.
 12. The micro-optic security device ofclaim 1, wherein an optical spacer is disposed between the array offocusing elements and the array of image icon elements.
 13. Themicro-optic security device of claim 1, wherein image icon elements ofthe array of image icon elements comprise at least one ofmicrostructured voids, posts or a combination thereof integrated into amicrostructured layer.
 14. The micro-optic security device of claim 13,wherein a contrasting material is disposed in or on at least part of themicrostructured voids, the posts, or a combination thereof.
 15. Themicro-optic security device of claim 1, wherein the array of focusingelements are selected from a group which includes lenticular lenses,cross-hatched lenticular lenses, non-cylindrical lenses, micro-mirrorsor any combination thereof.
 16. The micro-optic security device of claim1, wherein focusing elements of the array of focusing elements compriseat least one of non-cylindrical spherical or aspherical lenses arrangedin a hexagonal pattern.
 17. The micro-optic security device of claim 1,wherein focusing elements of the array of focusing elements comprisefocusing elements with an f #0 of less than 3 and a diameter of lessthan 50 μm.
 18. The micro-optic security device of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the one or more targeting images or the one or more rewardimages is a floating image, a sunken image, or an image that cantransition from a floating image to a sunken image.